Wave hairbrush



Patented Apr. 7, 1953 UNITED sTATEs `PATENT oifFiCEjA 7 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in hairbrushes and more particularly to improved hairbrushes capable of being easily drawn through hair which is thick, or snarled and entangled, or otherwise difiicult to comb.

Frequently, in brushing hair which is thick and luxuriant, considerable difficulty is experienced in working the bristles into the hair to brush and dress the saine. Hairbrushes having closely spaced bristles are especially susceptible to this and have the undesirable effect of merely pressing the hair down, whereby the bristles do not actually penetrate down into or through the hair but merely slide over the surface thereof. If special pains should betaken that the bristles penetrate the hair and graze against the scalp, then difliculty will be encountered due to the binding action of the thick hair which would not pass freely through the closely spaced bristles and would thus prevent fluent movements of the brush.

Moreover, if the hair should be snarled or entangled, additional interference to the passage of the brush through the hair would be offered due to the snarls and tangles catching or snagging in the bristles. This situation is naturally made more troublesome in the case of persons with curly or kinky hair which would further impede the progress of the brush across the scalp. Similarly, the difculties would increase in the case of womens hair which is longer and thicker which would provide increased opportunities for snarls and tangles.

It is a purpose of the present invention to proy vide a brush which may easily be drawn through the hair to dress the same, even through the hair is long and thick and there are snarls or tangles present. A

It is a further purpose of the present invention to provide a brush which may easily be drawn through the hair to impart thereto a strong tendency to wave naturally and to render the hair more amenable for waving or other hairdressing operations.

A still further purpose of the present invention tion is the provision of a hairbrush which is easy to hold and which is capable of tting. comfortf ably within either hand of the operator.

Another advantageous feature that may be. added to the present invention is the provision i of combs positioned on the backs of theA hairbrushes to aid in the dressing of the hair.

Other purposes, advantages and features of the present invention will appear in the following,

description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which;

Figure 1 is a bottom'plan View of the hairbrush.'

of the present invention showing the positioning and spacing of the individual bristles.

Fig. 2 is a view in elevation of the hairbrush of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a top plan View of the hairbrush of the present invention showing the positioning of the combs.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional viewr of the hairbrush taken on the line 4-3 of Fig. 3.

form the bristle face of the hairbrush.

As shown in Fig. l, the tufts I4 are positioned I and spaced on the brush back I2 to form spacedf alternating straightv rows I=6 and zigzag rows I8.

extending widthwise across the brush. Considering the straightV rows'of tufts I6 rst and disrel garding the zigzag rows I8 for the moment, it

will be seen that the straight rows contain theA same number of tufts which are equally spaced. and so positioned as to be aligned both widthwisel and lengthwise of the brush. In the specific emg bodiment shown in Fig. l, there are ve widthwise straight rows of seven tufts each and seven lengthwise straight rows of iive tufts each. It must be stated, however, that these figures and those stated hereinafter are to be considered as illustrative of the present invention and not limi-r tative thereof and variations and modifications may be made within the scope and spirit of ,the

invention.

, The live outer tufts I9 onheach side of the brush back contact the hair first and will be referred to hereinafter as the starting tufts. As shown in Fig. 1, the starting tufts are spaced well apart and provide for an easy initial breaking up of. the hair, since penetration into the hair is simp1i" ed by such spacing.

. The zigzag rows I8 of tufts are located between the straight rows I6 of tufts and comprise two* outermost tufts 20 and, as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1, three inner tufts 22. The outermost tufts 2D are located on the median line which divides the space between the widthwise straight rows of tufts. The inner tufts 22 are offset equal distances alternately to either side of the median line and create the zigzag effect. The amount of offset of the alternately staggered tufts from the median line will vary according to their number and size and the width of Vthe space between the adjacent straight rows but in all events a definite zigzag effect must be created.

With regard to the widthwise spacing lof athe tufts in the zigzag row, the three inner tufts are so spaced as to be aligned with the correspondingr three innermost straight rows which run lengthwise of the brush. The outermost tufts 20, however, are spaced outwardly beyond their 'corresponding straight rows, and form, with the outermosttufts IQ of the straight row, an undulating row of fstarting tufts which arethe first to contact the hair -being brushed and dressed. The starting tufts 20 of the zigzag rows contact the hairiminediately after the starting tufts i9 of the straight rowsandthus a two stage breaking up of the snarls 'or `tangles is achieved whereby a more gradual-and gentler hairbrushing and dressing is attained.

shown in Fig. 4, the tufts 2| located in the central lengthwise row of the brush extend in 'a plane substantially perpendicular to the back vof the brush whereas the bristles inthe outer :rows of lthe brushlare flaredoutwardly therefrom and are inclined awayfrom lthe Vbristles lin lthe central row. This will cause va somewhat fanlike arrangement of the bristles when viewed from the ends iof the brush.

Additionally, as shown `in Fig. 2, the tufts 23 located in the central widthwise row extend in a plane r4substantially perpendicular to the back of the brush whereas the tufts in the rows to the frorrtorrearthereof are flared and inclined away from the tufts inthe central Wdthwise row. As a result ofthis flaring of Vthe tufts inthe outer portions'of 4the brush in more than'one direction, the outer rows'of starting tufts'flare outwardly in`diverg`ent fashion from the center of the brush back. Such divergency 'enables 'the bristles to penetrate the hair easier 'and to facilitate the brushing and dressing of the hair.

' Inadditio'n, as -shown in Fig. 4, the 'bristles at tlreouter portionsof 'the 'brush are longerthan the bristles "at the center 'portion 'of the brushto present a concave cylindrical 'appearance Vto the brush surface when viewed from the side of the brush. Similarly, as shown -'in Fig. 2, the bristles at the front and rear portions are 'longer than 'the bristles 'at lthecenter vportion'of 'the brush to present a 'concave cylindrical appearance to the brush'surf-ace when `viewed from the ends of the brush. Theeffectof vthesetwo concave surfaces serves -to create a -hollowed-outbowl-like surface which provides for abetter brushing surface of the hair'br-ush whichwill thenconform'more suitably to the contour of the scalp and provide for a more uniform stroke fof the bristles through the hair.

Technically, the surface created by the two cylindrical surfaces is termed-a-cylindrical intersecting'or cross vault. It will be Vapparent from Figs. 2 and 4 that the cylindrical Aconcave surfaces will adapt themselves to thecontour of the scalp vfarbetter than a-lat or convex hairbrush surface.

Frequently, in brushing the hair, it is desired to run the brush through the hair lengthwise rather than widthwise so that a proportionately larger number of bristles pass therethrough in any single stroke. This is usually desirable in brushing the shorter hairs at the temples and those portions of the scalp immediately above the ears. As shown in Eig. l, starting tufts 245 are positioned at the front and rear ends of the central lengthwise rows land in aligned fashion therewith. These tufts 2li function similarly to the starting tufts lli` and it and are the first to contact the hair when the brush is used in lengthwise fashion and, owing to their outward flare and their relative positioning, they will aid in the penetration of the brush into the hair to brush and dress the same.

Inasmuch as the hair contacts these spaced starting tufts prior to contacting the main body of the brush surface, a preliminary breaking up of any snaris or tangles is accomplished. 'The breaking up of the snarls and tangles is completed by the main body of the brush and it is believed that this multi-stage treatment assists considerably in providing for easy passage of the brush through long and thick hair in which there may be snarls and tangles.

The sides of the brush back l2 are provided with undulations 28 which conform in a general way to the spacing and the undulations of the starting tufts near the sides `of the brush back. This lends a pleasing and ornamental effect to the brush back and additionally provides for finger grips, should it be desired that the brusl'i be gripped thereat Vand used in the manner 'of military brushes which normally have no handles. This permits the application of greater force to the back of the brush and provides for a more strenuous and vigorous brushing of the hair and scalp which is desirable in the case of persons with dry scalps. Suchstrong brushing stirs up the Vscalp Yand the glands therein to alleviate to some extent the effects of a dry scalp.

A handle 2S extends from one end of the brush back ll2 and is provided with finger grips 30 and three thumb rests 32, 33 and S4. rEhe finger grips 3e do not pass completely around the handle 28 but merely extend approximately 270 thereabout. It has been found that such radial coverage is sufficient for all purposes and for gripping by either hand. The thumb rests are positioned at intervals around the brush handle 2'8 and -provide a secure rest for the thumb for all grippingl positions of the brush. The brush is therefore 'of use equally well for right or left handed operators who will find the thumb rests 32 or34 very com.- fortable and convenient Yto use. Whenever the brush is to be used in lengthwise fashion, then the thumb could be comfortably and conveniently positioned on thumb rest 33. The handle 28 is provided with atapering end 35 which lis capable of serving as a rattail'to assist in the'curling'of hair.

Combs 35 and 37 may be positioned on the top surface of the'back of the brush. If desired, the spacing of the teeth of vthese combs may differ and, for example, one 'may be medium coarse and the other coarse, orany other desired combination may be selected. Thus, thebrush back could be used in inverted condition 'and the brush 'so manipulated as to permit both combs to pass through the hair. In such a situation 'it would be, of course, advisable to lpass the coarser-conb through the hair first and follow it iup with the finer 'comb 4 The backbone or body ofthe bombs 36 .andll presents an undulating'appearance when viewed from 4above, asshown in'Fig'ure 3.; The-individ-VE ual teeth ofthe'comb comprise spaced alternating straight` teeth l39 and undulating-teeth 40. The purpose of these undulations of the backbone and the arrangement and shape of the teethisV toenable the comb to be passed more readily and zigzag of bristles rows Vof thebrush andthe corresponding spaced alternating straight Vand undulating teeth` of the combs. `This effect is considerably more noticeable when the undula.

tions in the comb backbone or body aremade to complement or correspond to the spacing and undulations of the straight Abristle rows andzigzag bristle rows. For a specific example, there may belive undulations of the comb to correspond to the five straight rows of bristles to enhance the cooperative effect.

If desired, merely one comb, located at the center of the top surface of the brush back. may be used. The comb or combs maybe embedded permanently in the top surface of 4the hairbrush or they may be snapped into and out of cooperating slots to provide for substitution of combs having differently spaced teeth. -Another possible variation in the comb would be to have the ends of the teeth form a concave arcuate line, rather than a straight line, as shown in Fig. 2. This would enable the combs to be passed more readily and uniformly through the hair since the curvature of the line formed by the ends of the teeth would conform more to the contour of the scalp whereby the hair would pass more evenly through the comb teeth.

A ridge d2 is formed on the top surface of the brush back l2 and is of suicient height so as to contact the hair and prevent it from sliding along and against the full width of the top surface of the brush back I2. This will prevent any drag or friction being exerted on the hair and assist in the free flow of the combs through the hair. Additionally, the hair is prevented from entering the spaces between the teeth too deeply and thus another source of binding or catching of the hair in the combs is avoided.

As shown in Fig. 2, the upper line of the ridge may have an undulating shape which assists in developing any natural wave in the hair and prepares the same for waving treatments or other operations. The hair, in passing over the undulating ridge t2 is given a slight lateral movement which assists in the wave effect.

Other variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claims and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

I claim:

1. In a hairbrush of the character described, an elongated brush back; a plurality of straight rows of tufts affixed to said brush back and extending outwardly therefrom in widthwise rows; and a plurality of zigzag rows of tufts aiiixed to said brush back and extending outwardly therefrom in 'widthwise rows intermediate said straight rows, and wherein the outermost tufts of said zigzag row are located on the median line dividing the space between adjacent straight rows, and the inner tufts of said zigzag row are offset equa-1'V distances alternately to oppositesides off said median line, whereby the brush/may be' drawn easily and without binding through hair normally diicult to brush. .1' f

2. In a hairbrush-of the character described' an elongated brush back; aplurality of straight rows oi tufts affixed to said brush back and extending outwardly therefrom -in widthwise rows,

said straight rows of tufts having the individual tufts thereof uniformly spaced from each other and so positioned as to bealigned also in a lengthwise direction; and a plurality'of zigzag rows of tufts affixed to said brush backend extending outwardly therefrom in widthwise rows intermediate said straight rows, and wherein the outermost tufts of said zigzag row are located on the median line dividing the space between adjacent straight` rows, and the inner tufts of said zigzag row are offset equal distances alternately to opposite sides of said median line, whereby the brush may be drawn easily and without binding throughhair' normally difficult to brush.

3. In a hairbrushof the character described, an elongated brush back; a plurality of straight rowsof tufts affixed to said brush back and extending outwardly therefrom in widthwise rows; and a plurality of zigzag rows of tufts afxed to said brush back and extending outwardly therefrom in widthwise rows intermediate saidV straight rows, wherein the outermost tufts of saidl zigzagy row are located `on the median line dividing the space between adjacent straightrows, and the inner tufts of said zigzag ro-w are offset equal distances alternately to opposite sides of said median line, whereby the brush may be drawn easily and without `binding vthrough hair normally difficult to brush, and whereinthe tuftson either side of the lengthwise center lineV 'of' said brush back are ared and inclined away from said center line, and the tufts in front of and in the rear of the center widthwise row of tufts are flared and inclined away from the center widthwise row of tufts.

4. In a hairbrush of the character described, an elongated brush back; a plurality of straight rows of tufts, affixed to said brush back and extending outwardly therefrom in widthwise rows, said rows of tufts having the individual tufts thereof uniformly spaced from each other and so positioned as to be aligned also in a, lengthwise direction; and a plurality of zigzag rows of tufts affixed to said brush back and extending outwardly therefrom in widthwise rows intermediate said straight rows, wherein the end tufts of said zigzag row are located on the median line dividing the space between adjacent straight rows, and the inner tufts of said zigzag row are offset equal distances alternately to opposite v sides of said median line, whereby the brush may be drawn easily and without binding through hair normally oliicult to brush, and wherein the tufts on either side of the lengthwise center line of said brush back are flared and inclined away from said center line, and the tufts in front of and in the rear of the center widthwise row of tufts areflared and inclined away from the center widthwise row of tufts.

5. In a hairbrush of the character described, an elongated brush back; a plurality of straight rows of tufts affixed to said brush back and extending outwardly therefrom in widthwise rows; and a plurality ofr zigzag rows of tufts affixed to said brush back and extending outwardly therefrom in widthwise rows intermediate said straight rows, wherein the outermost tufts of said zigzag roweareilocated 4on lthefmedian f line dividing the space between vadjacent':straight rows, and theiinner-tufts ofsaid'zigzagrow are-offset equal distances alternately to opposite sides of said median line, whereby the `brush maybe drawn easily and without binding through hair normally di'oult to brush,and wherein the lengths ofthe tufts in saidstraight rowsand zigzag rows are such'thatfthefree ends thereof form a. ooncavecylindriealintersecting vault.

6. `Inra. hairbrush of thecharacter described, an elongated brush back; -apluralityof straight rows of tufts affixed to :said-brush back-and extending outwardly therefrom'inwidthwise rows, said rows of -tufts having the individual tufts thereof uniformlyspaced from veach other and so positioned as to .be aligned also in a lengthwise direction; and a pluralityof zigzag rowsof tufts affixed to said lbrush back andlextending outwardly therefrom Iin widthwise rows intermediate said straight rows, wherein the outermost tufts of said zigzag row are located on the median Eline dividing the space :between -adjiacent straight rows, and the inner tufts of vsaid zigzag row are ofset .equal vdistances v alternately to `opposite sides `of said median-line, whereby the fbrushzmay be'drawn easily and without binding through-:hairL-normallyfdiicultto brush, and wherein the :lengths of :the tufts in said .straight rows Aand zigzag rows vare such -that the ,free ends thereof lformyzad concave -,cylindrioal intersecting vault.

7. Ina hairbrush ofthe eha-racterdescribedy an elongated Vbrush back; a plurality of lstraight rowsof -tufts .faixed to :said brush baokand extendingl outwardly therefrom in widthwise row-s, said frows of :tufts having Athe 'individual 4tufts thereof uniformly spaced from each other and so .positioned as lto .be aligned also in a lengthwise direction; -and a :plurality of zigzag rows of tufts afxed to -said brush hack and extending outwardly :therefrom in widthwise rows intermediate said straight rows, wherein the outermosttufts of said'zigzagrow are located on the median 4line dividing the space between adjacent.v straight rows,and -the inner ftufts of said zigzag -row are yoffset :equal distance alternately to opposite sides of said median line, whereby the brushfmay be drawn easily and'withoutbinding through hair normally difficult tov brush,rand wherein the tuftsfonfeither-side of the lengthwseicenter-line of 'said brush-back are flaredand inclined'away from saidcenterline, and thetufts in frontlof and-in the-rear-.of the centerw-idthwise row of tufts fare Viiared and `inclined away from the center -widthwise lrow of tufts, and wherein fthe lengths :of the tufts in said-straight rows and zigzag rows are such thatfthef-ree-iends thereof forma concave cylindrical lintersecting vault.

WILLIAM J. SERVIILA.

`R'EFE-RENCESY CITED The vfollowing vreferences vare of recordin the file Vof this patent:

vUNITED STATESl PATENTS Number Name Date 396,812 Faber v r Jan.29,18v89 1,916,334 Rounds- V 7---- July, 1933 I'JOR'FJIGN PATENTS.

Number `Country Date 245555 Great Britain Oct. 23, 189.7 362,431 Italy Aug, 25, 1938 

